The flu sucks. JR was sick for a while, high fevers included. Badness. John and I got sick too. John got off easier than I did. I’m still longing to breathe clearly. And I’m coughing up fun things that make me so very glad I quit smoking. I can’t wait until I’m completely better.

My first crop of dreads lasted three weeks. Then I desperately wanted to run my fingers through my hair, and was somewhat saddened to find out that my hair was still painfully straight and unbound for the most part. It was very simple to get the knots out, and after a single use of conditioner in the shower, they were gone. The husband was ecstatic. I woke up the next day and missed them terribly. I vowed they would come back. I gave John a weekend without them. I’m sure he was happy about that.

My in-laws came up to visit. They are technically still in state, though I think I may only see them one more afternoon before they fly back to Texas. They chose to stay in Fairbanks, 90 miles away, rather than at a motel in town. Thursday night we were graciously able to stay at their hotel. JR had such grand fun running the halls while MiMi chased him! Saturday, John drove them out to Paxson, and I got an afternoon alone. Yesterday we all had brunch/lunch at Buffalo Diner in town, where JR was having so much fun waving hello and goodbye to the toy train that circled the dining area.

Today, I have asked our landlord’s son to ask her if we can have a dog. And the dishwasher that was promised. I’m hoping for good news in both regards.

I dyed my hair today. Garnier Nutrisse, #43, Cocoa Bean (dark golden brown). It’s not a really noticeable difference from my original shade. And the dreads are back. Slightly bigger, and in need of more tightening/backcombing/waxing tomorrow, but back nonetheless.

JR is begging for hugs right now, so it seems this is all I can update right now.

Ok, so I actually started this ‘do a bit over two weeks ago, so not technically “new” but I’ll stop talking semantics.

I know that some of you will not like what I’ve done. And that some of you may have strong opinions about or against people with this style. However, I’ve wanted to do this since I was about 15. I wanted a personal expression. So I started dreads.

Go ahead, give me all the disparaging remarks you’ve got. You might as well. Because the hair is going to be like this for a while.

Here they are, on day 15!!!

Last Saturday was such a busy day!

We started out trying to get to Fairbanks on Friday, actually. There was a milk expiration date mishap that ended with JR throwing up in the truck. We turned around, he got it out of his system, and everything was fine. John had to turn around and go straight to Fairbanks to pick up my meds, and he ran a few other errands while he was there.

Saturday was a busy day. We got a semi-late-ish start, but crammed in so much! First stop was at Sunshine Health Foods for some probiotics and some fabulous Tahitian sandalwood soap (yum!).

Then we took JR to get his first professional BIG BOY HAIRCUT! I cut his hair for the very first time back in January, but this was his first time at a barbershop! He did so well, and now he looks so very handsome!!!

Then I got to go to Inua Wool Shoppe; it’s this fabulous yarn store, and there were so many yummy yarns there! I met a few very nice ladies, and got some great yarns. Also, they gave me two milk crates full of back issues of knitting magazines. Great score.

We also went to Sam’s Club, Old Navy, WalMart, and grocery shopping at Fred Meyer. Holy crap, I actually got shopped out! I never get shopped out! Poor John was frazzled with all that shopping, but he was such a trooper. I had so much fun that day, but boy oh boy was that a busy day!